Tl*the contact owns a 1998 gmc jimmy. While driving less than 15 MPH down a steep, wet road, the brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The bumper and headlamps were damaged. The vehicle is currently at the body shop and will be taken to the dealer for an ABS diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v218000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The dealer information was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 113,000.
1998 GMC Jimmy: brake failure
6 of the 238 complaints about the 1998 GMC Jimmy describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
I was driving in mexico last nov 18th 2004 -jan 1st 2005 I was driving on bumpy roads and high usage of brakes on poor roads . Abs failed and when I hit paved roads the brakes came back to like new system, then in july of this year I was driving down dirt road and went around a corner and it was like I had no brakes again I want the ABS removed from all of my cars now it is a bad system . I am a trained driver I have sub contracted to kelly haze as a ABS recorder for new vehicle.
Consumer states that van is giving her problems. When she drives the vehicle sometimes she hears a loud noise. Then the light comes on, the dashboard with says "security." also, brake failure. She took vehicle to dealer, and was told that the ball joints had no grease on them, and had a lots of play, if she hit a hole in the street, she could have an accident because of the alignment and the ball joints. She took vehicle back to the dealer, and he wanted to sell her another van, and she has no money. Please help.
Front wheel bearings failed. This caused wheels to become loose. Vehicle made a loud terrible grinding noise. Took vehicle to mechanic who indicated bearings could have sheared off. *ak ABS brake failed. Also, u-joint failed causing grinding noise and vibration.
Abs light illuminated, consumer states brakes felt funny, dealer diagnosed left front wheel sensor was faulty and parts had to be ordered, however vehicle was safe to drive, consumer had 3 more brake failures, one resulting in a minor accident with property damage, dealer replaced the sensor and brake booster.
While going downhill and applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and there was no braking ability. Consumer used emergency brakes and went into a ditch to avoid a crash. Problem believed to be caused by part of the brake hose line missing because it hit the exhaust manifold and melted.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds
- Rear parking brake shoe retaining spring clip service kit for drum-in-hat (DIH) equipped vehicles
- Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy
- Subject regarding necessary resurfacing of the park brake drum
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
- Risk
- Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Recall number 97V218000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 GMC Jimmy brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1998 GMC Jimmy?
6 of 238 owner complaints about the 1998 GMC Jimmy (3%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1994.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 GMC Jimmy?
There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 GMC Jimmy
Wipers 65Pulling 13ABS 12No deployment 9Ball joint 8Loss of power 7Headlights 6
VIN decoder
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